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When looking to build their family home, entrepreneur Phoebe Simmonds and builder Shaun Caton looked at Melbourne suburbs close to their work and respective locations in Fitzroy and Lysterfield.
They settled on Murrumbeena in the city’s south east for its leafy streets, big blocks, and relaxed energy. ‘Shaun thought by moving to Murrumbeena he was moving to the city and I thought we were moving to the suburbs. (I was right!),’ says Phoebe.
Shaun’s companies The Melbourne Joiner and The Melbourne Builder designed and built the new home inspired by single-storey Edwardian homes to feature a weatherboard facade and double gable roof.
‘We wanted a home with classic character that wouldn’t date and that would reflect the integrity of other houses in the area,’ says Phoebe.
The interiors are more contemporary, but with references to decorative period features throughout in the use of arches, marble, and colour.
‘Spaces that feel homely and lived in, nothing too stark or minimalist,’ in the words of Phoebe. Dulux Tarzan Green provides a calming feel to the open-plan kitchen, complemented by natural white walls.
Naturally, as host to a young family (including the co-founder of parenting and baby destination The Memo!), the home provides plenty of storage space to keep clutter at bay (‘while being realistic that life would be on display,’ says Phoebe).
Finally, a designated guest room encourages plenty of visitors, with their own space to make themselves at home.
‘The sectioned off back deck, which is an extension of the guest room, is a really peaceful space to sit with a wine or to do yoga,’ says Phoebe.
